Scotland 6 Wales B 0

The Bob Docherty Tournament (U15 Girls)

Dragon Park, Newport, Wales. 1st-4th April 2016

Game 1: Scotland v. Wales B (2002) Saturday 2nd April

The large and enthusiastic crowd gathered on a lovely sunny afternoon at the Dragon Park complex in South Wales looking forward to Scotland’s first game of the 2016 Bob Docherty Tournament. The girls themselves looked relaxed and excited at the prospect of playing for Scotland in the first of these three International matches.

As had been the pattern up until now this talented young Scotland team came out of the blocks instantly and quickly settled into the game.

The passing qualities of Kirstie McIntosh and Michaela McAlonie drove the wide players forward with both Lauren Davidson and Elena Santoyo-Brown causing the Welsh defenders immediate problems. Abby Callaghan had the first snap shot at goal that was well held by the Welsh keeper.

This would be a sign of things to come as Scotland went positively forward. The link-up play again of Morgan Cross and Abby Callaghan at the edge of the box resulted in a foul in a dangerous area. Scotland were awarded the free kick some 25 yards from goal when LEAH EDDIE stepped up and crashed the ball through the Welsh defensive wall into the bottom corner leaving the keeper with no chance, 1-0 (4m). It was the start that the Scots wanted.

The defenders for Scotland helped to start attacks when Wales looked to attack Ciara Pollock’s goal. Kara Chalmers in particular attacked the ball and broke up any assault from the Welsh right-hand side. The partnership of Georgia Adderley and Tara McGonigle was rock solid and they both stepped out of their defensive positions to join in attacking moves when the opportunity arose.

We did not have to wait too long for the second goal and it was all down to the electric pace of MORGAN CROSS as she latched onto a lovely through ball from Michaela McAlonie in the centre of the park to coolly lob the ball over the advancing keeper and into the Welsh net, 2-0 (11m).

The contest was almost over just two minutes later when ELENA SANTOYO-BROWN mesmerised two Welsh defenders before cutting onto her left foot to power home an unstoppable left-foot drive into the top of the net, 3-0 (13m).

The first thirteen minutes of this International match had been a fabulous start for Scotland. Time after time Elena Santoyo-Brown teased and tormented the Welsh defenders and was a constant threat in the opening exchanges.

Chances continued to come from all angles but with a combination of good fortune and good goalkeeping there were no more additional goals in the half as Scotland went in at the break with a comfortable lead.

HALFTIME : SCOTLAND 3 WALES B 0

In the second half the substitutes entered the arena and each player showed immediately that they were determined to make an impact.

Jemma Marriott created havoc down the right-hand side. Only a minute after the restart one of her terrific runs ended with a perfect pass to ABBY CALLAGHAN who expertly drove the ball home, 4-0 (31m).

Soon after JEMMA MARRIOTT changed from provider to executioner with a beautiful turn and finish over the keeper from the edge of the box, 5-0 (38m).

Leah Fleming continued to attack down the left flank and linked with Sara McWhirter in the central position – Sara was very unlucky not to find Abby Callaghan with the final through ball that would have topped off a wonderful passing sequence that had brought the supporters to their feet once again.

Cara Henderson had now come on in the centre of the defence and the young defender was now doing her part to make sure that the Welsh were kept out and limited any attacks to distance making sure that Ciara Pollock’s goal remained intact.

The Scottish juggernaut continued to pressurise the ailing Welsh defence and only a series of offside calls, good blocks and good goalkeeping again kept the Scots at arm’s length.

However their bravery was cracked by a wonderful set-piece. The ball from the left was perfectly flighted to the back post where it was met on the full by NAOMI WELCH. Her header bulleted into the net to hit Wales for six, 6-0 (58m). It was no more than Naomi deserved for her work rate in this second period.

It was a tremendous start from the Scots who would now move to the second day and a date with the ‘Auld Enemy’ England.